In India, there is a long list of festivals that start from Diwali. In North India, there are a few places like Bihar, Eastern UP, and Jharkhand where Chhath is celebrated with great pomp and show. Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival that people have been celebrating for decades. This holy festival is known as Chhath Parva, Chhath Puja, Chhaith, Dala Chhath, Dala Puja, or Surya Shashthi (sixth). This holy festival is observed with great enthusiasm, prayers, and religious rituals. These rituals also include puja and Prasad. People also bathe in the Ganges or any other nearby river. People also go on fasting. Let’s read the content and know all important things including Chhath Puja 2020 date and time.
Chhath Puja 2020: All you need to know about
Chhath is a historical, cultural, and religious Hindu festival. It is also the day when the state government declares a holiday. The significance of celebrating this holy festival is to thank almighty Lord Sun for conferring the rewards of life on earth and satisfying particular wishes. Chhath Puja begins with Nahay Khay. Then, it is Kharna on the next day. Arghya is offered on the third day, and the festival ends on the fourth day with the rising Sun.
First Day (Nahay Khay)
Actually, Chhath Puja begins on Kartik Shukla Chaturthi. It is also called the first day of Chhath Puja. It is the day when women go on fasting and wear new clothes after bathing. They also take vegetarian food in the evening. Chhath Puja 2020 Nahay-Khay is on Wednesday, 18 November 2020.
- Sunrise – 06:46 am
- Sunset – 05:26 pm
Second Day (Lohanda and Kharna)
The second day of Chhath Puja is Kartik Shukla Panchami and it is related to Lohanda and Kharna. This day happens on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Kartik month. This year Lohanda and Kharna fall on Thursday, November 19. It is the day when women keep fast and eat kheer made of jaggery in the evening.
- Sunrise – 06:47 am
- Sunset – 05:26 pm
Third day (Arghya on Shashthi)
It is the main day of Chhath Puja and Chhath is observed on the Shashti Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Chhath Puja 2020 is on 20 November. On this day, Arghya is offered to the Sun in the evening. On this day, rice laddus are used as Prasad of Chhath festival. People use bamboo baskets to decorate fruits and Prasad. The fasting women go to water bodies like pond, river, or ghat to worship baskets and offer prayers to the Sun.
- Sunrise – 06:48 am
- Sunset – 05:26 pm
Remember that the Shashti Tithi for Chhath Puja starts from 19:59 pm on November 19, till 09:29 pm on November 20.
Fourth day: (Arghya offered to the Sun at sunrise)
It is the last of Chhath Puja. It is also the 7th day of the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. On this day, people offer Arghya is rising Sun and complete their fast. In 2020, Sunrise Arghya and Parana of Chhath Puja is on November 21. After Arghya, people distribute prasad and purchase sweet potato, gourd, and sugarcane.
- Sunrise – 06:49 am
- Sunset – 05:25 pm
Due to the Corona pandemic, different state governments have banned gathering on rivers and ponds. So, people have to make artificial water bodies in their homes. If you find it hard, the online astrologers from India can guide you on how to perform all puja and ritual at home in a religious manner.
Chat with online astrologers to know more about you can get the best out of Chhath puja sitting at home.